KARINA SHEPHERD
Reshaping your future – Creating a Wholefoods Kitchen
When it comes to our health, responsibility really comes down only to us. Every single day, each choice we make adds up to one, overarching decision which defines the true value of our health. Where we shop, what we eat and put on our skin, how we cook and, how conscious we choose to be about all of this, makes up this greater equation. Here at Dandelion & Mallow, our philosophy is that delicious, traditionally prepared food is the foundation for great health and overall wellbeing.
This current pandemic has brought on a heightened awareness. For the first time in a very long time people are spending most of their time at home. Aside from the juggle of navigating working from home and assisting our children’s home learning, some people have been able to return to fundamental life activities. We’ve been cooking, baking; getting dirty in our gardens, growing our own food; buying and supporting local growers, producers and shops and we’re learning new ways to derive entertainment, to exercise, to relax and ultimately, to find joy.
This time has allowed me to reflect on how grateful and fortunate I am to live in a comfortable suburban home, with enough food to put on our table. It has also brought into focus that others are not so fortunate.
There have been job losses, lots of them. Particularly in my beloved hospitality industry. People have been forced to sign up for welfare for the first time in their lives. In other situations, there are also jobseekers feeling joyful that their welfare payments have doubled as they can now afford to eat every day and cover their essential bills. Sadly, it’s true that some people have been skipping food on certain days just to get by. Living in a developed nation and still having people go hungry each day in our normal times is simply not okay. We need change. And now, with time to consider the elements which truly add value to our lives, this is our time.
Preparing food is a core life skill. However, as humans, we have somehow allowed it to become a low priority over the past generation. Our lives are relentlessly busy. We are endlessly keeping up with an economic system which sees us trapped on the hamster wheel. We are living to work and losing sight of the basic skills of life along the way.
What’s truly astounding is, more and more we are discovering that it’s these core life skills that bring us joy and better health. Growing, cooking, making, building, imagination and creativity. We encourage these skills in our children and take pride in seeing them flourish but, we don’t prioritise them for ourselves! It’s these fundamentals which promote less stress, more energy and better immune systems. Now is the time to appreciate the little things. Those simple, grounding moments that make up everyday life.
As you reflect on your time during this pandemic, take a moment to consider what it is you really miss and, what you don’t. Then, commit to making change in the times ahead. One such change may be preparing more of your meals and snacks at home.
Cooking is a learned skill, requiring practice in order to improve and is severely hindered when we consistently buy takeaway or eat out. At home with our family, there’s no need to achieve a Michelin star status, we just need good, wholesome food, made from scratch…that tastes delicious! For me, cooking and baking is an ever-evolving journey without an end point. There will always be opportunities for us to learn from each other through our varied life experiences in the kitchen.
Over the past five years, I’ve run many face-to-face workshops called Creating a Wholefoods Kitchen. These have evolved into other hands-on cooking workshops which will continue, as soon as restrictions are lifted. I derive such joy and excitement from people cooking for their loved ones in their homes. I know I run a catering business, providing food for others but, nothing makes me happier than knowing others find joy in the kitchen too! Even more so if I can help them find this joy.
And, with that, I’m so excited to introduce a project I’ve been working on and something which I’ve been dying to share with you all. The Creating a Wholefoods Kitchen workshop is now available for purchase on my website as a downloadable eBook!
This eBook will take you on a journey towards a kitchen and pantry that are humming with wholefoods goodness. You’ll be guided through the practical steps of removing processed and packaged foods from your life, replacing them with nutritious and practical alternatives. It includes lists and tips for storing and organising your wholefoods pantry, fridge and freezer. You’ll find inspiration for basic foods which can realistically be made from scratch every week; traditional methods of soaking and sprouting and great ideas for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks. We’ll explore how to make more time in your life to prepare such food and discover how to make it cost-effective.
If you’re ready to embark on a new direction in your cooking journey, head over to the shop page and download Creating a Wholefoods Kitchen for only $9.95.
What you say is so very true! I do feel like this generation needs to take a step back into the lives of our grandparents or great grandparents when all food was made from scratch, all produce was fresh and bought from the local grocer. I know for one I’ve been enjoying learning to bake goodies from scratch. Thanks again for sharing your knowledge with us! The ebook has taught me so much and has inspired me to make more changes in my life 💛✨
Thank you Jasmine. Yes, it seems our grandparents and great-grandparents did know best! So glad you are enjoying your time in the kitchen and have found the ebook helpful and inspiring. x